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Esophageal Strictures

Esophageal strictures narrow the swallowing tube, causing pain and difficulty eating. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers gentle, expert care-from diagnosis to minimally invasive dilation and personalized plans-helping patients regain comfortable, safe swallowing and improve quality of life.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Long-term acid reflux (GERD)
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (allergic inflammation)
  • Injury from swallowing corrosive or caustic substances
  • Radiation therapy to the neck or chest
  • Scar formation after previous esophageal surgery or injury

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain on swallowing (odynophagia)
  • Sensation of food sticking in the throat or chest
  • Regurgitation of undigested food or liquids
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Frequent heartburn or chest discomfort

Expert Treatment for Esophageal Strictures by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He reviews your swallowing difficulties, chest or epigastric pain, heartburn, weight changes and assesses risk factors such as GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis or prior radiation.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

A flexible scope is passed into your esophagus to directly visualize strictures, take biopsies for inflammation or allergy, and evaluate mucosal health.

Barium Swallow X-Ray

Under fluoroscopy you drink a barium solution to outline the esophageal lumen, map narrowing sites and observe bolus transit.

Esophageal Manometry

Thin pressure sensors measure the strength and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions during swallowing.

24-Hour pH Monitoring

A probe measures acid exposure over time, linking reflux events to your epigastric pain and guiding medical therapy.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for esophageal strictures.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips

  • Eat small bites and chew food thoroughly
  • Avoid hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods
  • Sleep with your head elevated to reduce reflux
  • Steer clear of heavy or greasy meals

2. Medications

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole to reduce stomach acid
  • H2 blockers for milder acid symptoms
  • Swallowed steroids to calm allergy-based inflammation

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures

  • Balloon or bougie dilation to gently stretch narrowed areas
  • Stent placement for severe or completely blocked strictures
  • Needle-knife incision for tough or recurring strictures
  • All procedures performed under sedation for your comfort
677

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 677 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get treatment in Houston?

Visit GastroDoxs near the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Pothuri offers safe, same-day dilation.

How long is recovery after dilation?

Most patients feel better within 1-2 days and return to eating normally.

Will the stricture come back?

Sometimes. Some people need one treatment. Others require repeat dilations.

When should I see a doctor?

If swallowing hurts, food feels stuck, or you've lost weight-don't wait. Seek evaluation promptly.

Can strictures cause serious problems?

Yes. Untreated strictures can lead to poor nutrition, ongoing pain, or even breathing risks.

Will I need multiple treatments?

It depends on the cause. Some patients need regular visits; others may only require one procedure.

Is anesthesia used during dilation?

Yes. We use light sedation or anesthesia to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

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